Aren't they just metalclad switches mounted on a lump of wood Rocky, no different to mounting a metalclad socket on a lump of wood and nothing to do with the OP, doesn't really prove anything does it,

And that's why I pointed out to Andy that all the wooden sockets I have seen have a metal plate to protect the wood, so they aren't really applicable to the discussion on here either. Lets not compare apples to oranges

And for the record, I would probably go with the fire retardant stuff and note it down as a departure/deviation or whatever else you choose to call it.

Are you chaps SERIOUSLY suggesting replacing nice insulating wooden back boxes with dangerous conducting metallic ones?
If the earth wire falls off, and the switch shorts, then the switch mounting sockets are live.
Is there a single recorded instance of a wooden back box catching fire?

If the earth wire falls off, and the switch shorts, then the switch mounting sockets are live.

Is there a single recorded instance of a wooden back box catching fire?

Well if you have a loose connection in the wooden back box of your switch accessory or what ever you will get sparking and arcing which may or may not cause the surroundings to get hot which in turn after some time may cause a fire. It is more likely that you will here it buzzing when you get close to it or walk by ro see the lights flickering.
If, however, the backing box is metal it is unlikely to catch alight, although you will still here the buzzing behind the switchplate. The next step, if you have been following the 'Mike Power' show will be to unscrew the switchplate to examine the terminals. At this point the conductors come loose and may make contact with the metal back box which are likely to be earthed via a green and yellow conductor as there is no terminal on the switchplate, unless its metal. The circuit under these conditions should automatically disconnect. Not so in any position with a wooden backing box unless you touch it.

I like wooden back boxes as they give an element of style and superior quality, but they need to be painted with BS fireproof paint if used.

Legh

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Why do we need Vernier Calipers when we have container ships?

I bought a couple of wooden back boxes in the early/mid 1960's for a project I was playing with involving a carbon microphone bought from a electrical/radio (I don't think they used the word electronic then?) surplus shop in Croydon.

The next time I came across wooden back boxes was in our house which was built in circa 1958. (MK accessories and TRS cable no earth wire sleeving)